Sterilisation and Euthanasia in Nazi Germany

Sterilisation and Euthanasia Volksgemeinschaft ­ Peoples community. This concept was that of a people's community who were ultimately loyal towards the community/Fuhrer. Hitler pictured a vibrant, healthy Aryan race who worked together for the good of the Nation. Individualism would never be valued above the progress and wellbeing of the nation. However, there were those living in Germany who threatened the Nazi ideal and way of life. Hitler sought to limit this threat to his ideal nation and to deal with those outsiders who, deliberately or otherwise would seek to undermine it.Outsiders/Enemies of the State Ideological: These were people who did not conform to Nazi policies and who might threaten the political unity of the Third Reich e.g. Communists, Social Democrats. Social: Those people who engaged in perceived of actual antisocial activities. Biological: Those whose genes threatened the pure Aryan Race such as the Jews and those who perceived inferior to the Aryan Race. Those who had a hereditary illness which they could pass on to future generations. An example of the Nazis putting this into action: Law of the Protection of German Blood and Honour.Outsiders: 1. Jews. 2. Homosexuals. 3. Criminals. 4. Gypsies. 5. Prostitutes. 6. Alcoholics. 7. Workshy. 8. Juvenile delinquents. 9. Beggars. 10. Jehovah's Witnesses. 11. Mentally or Physically Ill. 12. Blacks.Sterilisation It was believed that unhealthy genes weakened the race. Such people were considered "unworthy of life" and "burdens on the community". June 1933: Law for the Prevention of Hereditarily Diseased Offspring was passed allowing compulsory sterilisation of anyone deemed to suffer from

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This became known as the Hitler cut. In the twelve years that followed, 350,000 people were sterilised.Euthanasia · Eventually this process of sterilisation led to murder. The Nazis talked of how the disabled had no quality of life, "life without life" and promoted the idea of Euthanasia as merciful and kind. Their propaganda also highlighted how expensive it was to treat mentally or physically disabled people. · Aktion T4 was the code name for the Nazi euthanasia program to eliminate "life unworthy of life".…read more